JP5570540B2 - Water heater - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply device that detects whether or not a heat transfer inhibition factor of a heat exchanger has occurred and performs an abnormal process in accordance with the detection.

  In a hot water supply device that heats and supplies hot water with a heat exchanger that is heated by the combustion heat of the burner, the scale adheres to the inside of the water pipe of the heat exchanger, or the fins of the heat exchanger In some cases, soot adheres and accumulates.

  When the scale and soot adhere and accumulate in the heat exchanger, normal heat transfer of the heat exchanger is impaired, and there is a risk that damage such as cracking of the heat exchanger due to thermal stress may occur.

  Therefore, it is conventionally known to detect whether or not a heat transfer inhibiting factor is generated due to adhesion of scale or soot in the heat exchanger and perform an abnormal process accordingly.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor is detected by detecting the presence or absence of the heat transfer inhibition factor by observing the temperature of the hot water in the heat exchanger after the hot water supply apparatus has stopped. Describes a technique for generating an alarm.

  In the technique shown in Patent Document 1, after the alarm is generated, the maximum combustion amount of the hot water supply device and the maximum set value of the hot water temperature are lowered in stages, so that the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device (with the burner combustion operation is accompanied). Hot water supply operation). And in the technique seen in patent document 1, when the frequency | count which lowers the maximum combustion amount of a hot-water supply apparatus and the maximum setting value of tapping temperature exceeds a predetermined frequency, the combustion operation of a burner is forcibly stopped, and a hot-water supply operation I can't do it.

JP 2003-254615 A

  By the way, in the technique as shown in Patent Document 1, an alarm is issued when the occurrence of a heat transfer inhibition factor due to adhesion of scale or soot in a heat exchanger is detected. The hot water supply operation can be started in the same manner as in a normal case without requiring any special treatment until the maximum number of combustion and the number of times to lower the maximum set value of the hot water temperature exceed a predetermined number.

  However, particularly in the United States and the like, there are many cases where a remote control unit having a function as an alarm generator is not installed in a user's regular living space. In such a case, the user often cannot recognize the alarm occurrence for a while.

  And in the technique seen in patent document 1, even if generation | occurrence | production of a heat-transfer inhibition factor is detected, since hot water supply operation can be performed without requiring a special treatment, the above-mentioned alarm generation is delayed. As a result, the user is likely to be late in recognizing the occurrence of heat transfer inhibition factors.

  As a result, it is easy for the user to request a supplier for countermeasures for eliminating the heat transfer inhibition factor. As a result, there is an inconvenience that a necessary measure is not taken until the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device cannot be performed finally.

  In such a case, the user cannot perform the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device suddenly (without advance preparation or the like), and there is a disadvantage that convenience is greatly impaired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and when the occurrence of a heat transfer inhibition factor in a heat exchanger is detected, the user is assured of the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor while ensuring the user's convenience. It is an object of the present invention to provide a hot water supply apparatus that can be recognized and take necessary measures.

In order to achieve this object, the hot water supply apparatus of the present invention is heated by the heat exchanger heated by the combustion heat of the burner, a water supply path for supplying hot water to the heat exchanger, and heated by the heat exchanger. In a hot water supply apparatus comprising a hot water supply passage for discharging hot water supply water and heat transfer inhibition factor detection means for detecting the presence or absence of occurrence of a heat transfer inhibition factor in the heat exchanger,
An abnormality processing means for prohibiting hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device and notifying that the heat transfer inhibition factor has occurred when the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor is detected by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection means; Prepared,
When the predetermined operation of the predetermined operation element provided so as to be operable by the user is performed after prohibiting the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device, the abnormality processing means continues until the predetermined period elapses. When the predetermined operation of the operation element is performed again after the elapse of the predetermined period after the prohibition of the hot water supply operation is canceled and the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled, the predetermined period elapses thereafter. Until then, the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled again (first invention).

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor (such as adhesion of scale or soot in the heat exchanger) is detected by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit, the abnormality processing unit performs the hot water supply. While the hot water supply operation of the apparatus is prohibited, a notification that the heat transfer inhibiting factor has occurred is issued.

  Note that the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device means that the combustion operation of the burner during passage of water through the heat exchanger is prohibited.

  Therefore, when the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor is detected by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection means, the hot water supply water is not heated in the heat exchanger, and hot water does not come out from the hot water outlet. Therefore, even if the user cannot recognize the notification that the heat transfer inhibition factor has occurred, the user can recognize that an abnormality has occurred in the hot water supply apparatus. And based on the recognition, a user will confirm apparatuses, such as a remote control unit of a hot-water supply apparatus, and can recognize finally that the said heat transfer inhibition factor generate | occur | produced by the said alerting | reporting.

  Furthermore, a user who recognizes that the heat transfer inhibition factor has occurred can request a dealer to take countermeasures for eliminating the heat transfer inhibition factor.

  In this case, in the first aspect of the invention, the abnormality processing means, after prohibiting the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device, when a predetermined operation of a predetermined operator provided so that the user can operate is performed, a predetermined period thereafter. Until the elapse of time, the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled.

  For this reason, a user who recognizes that the heat transfer inhibition factor has occurred performs a predetermined operation of the operating element according to the recognition, so that the predetermined period elapses as necessary. The hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device can be resumed.

  Therefore, the user can restart the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply apparatus as necessary until a predetermined period has elapsed even before the countermeasure is taken to eliminate the heat transfer inhibition factor. .

  In addition, since the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is prohibited again after the predetermined period has elapsed, the user can be made to recognize again that a countermeasure is required to eliminate the heat transfer inhibition factor. it can.

  Therefore, according to the first invention, when occurrence of a heat transfer inhibition factor in the heat exchanger is detected, it is necessary for the user to reliably recognize the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor while ensuring user convenience. Can take appropriate measures.

  In addition, as a form of notification that the heat transfer inhibition factor has occurred, for example, a visual notification by a display or a light-emitting lamp provided in a remote control unit or the like, or an auditory notification by voice or alarm sound is adopted. be able to.

  In addition, as the predetermined operation of the operation element, for example, it is possible to employ a mode in which one or more specific switches provided in the remote control unit are operated in a dedicated manner.

In the first shot bright, the abnormality processing means, when the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the water heater is after the elapse of the predetermined time period to be released, a predetermined operation of the operator is performed again, Thereafter, until the lapse of a predetermined time period, unblock hot water supply operation of the water heater again.

According to this, the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device can be repeatedly canceled by the predetermined operation of the operation element, so that the user forgets the necessity of countermeasures for eliminating the heat transfer inhibiting factor. The convenience of the hot water supply apparatus can be enhanced while preventing the problem.

In the first invention, the abnormality processing unit cancels the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device in accordance with the operation of the operation element after the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor is detected by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit. It is preferable that the number of times is counted and stored ( second invention).

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the supplier takes measures to eliminate the heat transfer inhibition factor, the supplier confirms the usage form of the hot water supply device after the heat transfer inhibition factor has occurred. Can do. And the utilization form can be utilized for the improvement of a product and countermeasure measures suitably.

In the second aspect of the invention, the abnormality processing means cancels the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device as the number of times the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled in accordance with the operation of the operation element. The predetermined period may be changed according to the number of times so that the predetermined period is shortened ( third invention).

According to the third aspect of the present invention, as the number of times the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled after the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor, the time of the predetermined period for canceling the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is increased. Becomes shorter. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply apparatus from being performed for a long period of time without taking countermeasures for eliminating the heat transfer inhibiting factor. In addition, since the time period during which the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is released is gradually shortened, the user can effectively recognize the necessity of countermeasures.

In the second invention or the third invention, when the number of times that the abnormality processing means has canceled the prohibition of hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device in response to the operation of the operation element exceeds a predetermined number, The hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device may be continuously prohibited regardless of the presence or absence of a predetermined operation of the operating element ( fourth invention).

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, if the number of times the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled becomes excessive, the prohibited state of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device continues even if a predetermined operation of the operation element is performed. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger of the hot water supply apparatus from being finally damaged by the heat transfer inhibition factor.

In the second to fourth aspects of the invention, when the abnormality processing unit prohibits the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device again as the predetermined period elapses, the heat transfer inhibition factor detecting unit detects the heat transfer. After detecting the occurrence of the obstruction factor, it may be configured to perform notification according to the number of times that the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled according to a predetermined operation of the operation element ( fifth invention).

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the user can recognize the number of times that the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device has been cancelled. Therefore, as the number of times increases, it is necessary to take countermeasures to eliminate the heat transfer inhibition factor. Gender can be recognized more effectively .
In the present invention, as the predetermined period, for example, a period until a predetermined time elapses after a predetermined operation of the operator can be adopted. However, when the heat transfer inhibiting factor occurs, generally, the heat exchanger is hardly damaged when the heat exchanger is not heated by the combustion heat of the burner.
Therefore, it is preferable that the predetermined period is a period until the cumulative combustion time of the burner after the predetermined operation of the operating element has elapsed (predetermined sixth invention).
According to the sixth aspect of the invention, when the frequency of performing the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is low or when the time for performing the hot water supply operation is short, the period during which the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is released can be lengthened. it can.

In the first to sixth inventions, when the abnormality processing means is operated by an operator for a contractor different from the operator after the heat transfer inhibition factor is detected by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection means. Alternatively, the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device may be continuously canceled ( seventh invention).

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the hot water supply device can be returned to the normal state only when the countermeasures for eliminating the heat transfer inhibiting factor are properly performed by the contractor.

Alternatively, in the first to sixth inventions, after the detection of the heat transfer inhibition factor by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit, a heat transfer inhibition factor elimination determination unit that determines whether or not the heat transfer inhibition factor has been eliminated. The abnormality processing means continuously cancels prohibiting the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device when the heat transfer inhibition factor elimination determination means determines that the heat transfer inhibition factor has been eliminated. ( 8th invention).

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the hot water supply apparatus can be returned to a normal state only when the heat transfer inhibition factor elimination determination unit determines that the heat transfer inhibition factor has been eliminated. Further, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the heat transfer inhibition factor has been eliminated without providing a dedicated operation element.

In the first to eighth inventions described above, the presence or absence of occurrence of heat transfer inhibiting factors such as scale and soot adhesion in the heat exchanger is, for example, after the hot water supply operation of the water heater is stopped, It can be detected by whether or not the temperature (detected value) rises to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

In the eighth aspect of the invention, whether or not the heat transfer inhibition factor has been eliminated is, for example, whether or not the hot water temperature (detected value) of the heat exchanger falls below a predetermined temperature after the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is stopped. It can be judged by.

The figure which shows the structure of the hot water supply apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the structure regarding the controller and remote control unit of the hot-water supply apparatus of FIG. The flowchart which shows the control processing of the principal part of the controller in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the control processing of the principal part of the controller in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the control processing of the principal part of the controller in 3rd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the control processing of the principal part of the controller in 4th Embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  With reference to FIG. 1, the hot water supply apparatus 1 of this embodiment has the can 2 incorporated in the main body case 1a. In the can 2, a burner 3 constituted by a plurality of unit burners 3 a and a heat exchanger 4 arranged above the burner 3 are accommodated.

  The heat exchanger 4 includes a large number of fins 4a and a heat absorption tube 4b that passes through the fins 4a. A water supply channel 5 and a hot water supply channel 6 are connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the heat absorption pipe 4b, respectively. The hot water supply water supplied from the water supply passage 5 to the heat absorption pipe 4 b of the heat exchanger 4 is heated by heat exchange with the combustion heat of the burner 3 in the heat exchanger 4 and sent out to the hot water supply passage 6. Further, the hot water supplied to the hot water outlet 6 is supplied to a hot water tap (not shown) connected to the hot water outlet 6 and discharged from the hot water tap.

  A gas supply passage 8 for supplying fuel gas to the burner 3 is provided with a main valve 9, a proportional valve 10, and a plurality of switching valves 11 for switching the number of combustion of the unit burners 3a. By operating an igniter (not shown) with the main valve 9 opened, the burner 3 is ignited, and the combustion operation of the burner 3 is started. Then, the combustion amount of the burner 3 is controlled by performing the opening degree control of the proportional valve 10 and the switching control of the switching valve 11 during the combustion of the burner 3.

  The combustion exhaust from the burner 3 is discharged from the upper end of the can 2 to the outside through the exhaust cylinder 12. Further, in the main body case 1a, an air supply fan 14 for supplying the combustion air of the burner 3 into the can 2 and a suction port of the air supply fan 14 are attached to the upper end of the main body case 1a. A suction duct 15 connected to the cylinder 13 is provided. Then, by the operation of the air supply fan 14, combustion air (outside air) is supplied from the supply cylinder 13 into the can body 2 through the suction duct 15 and the air supply fan 14.

  The water supply path 5 and the hot water supply path 6 are connected via a bypass path 16 branched from the water supply path 5 on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 4 and joined to the hot water supply path 6 on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 4. A bypass flow rate adjusting valve 22 is interposed in the bypass path 16.

  A flow rate sensor 17 and a flow rate adjustment valve 18 are interposed in the water supply channel 5 at a location upstream of the branch portion of the bypass channel 16. Further, a water supply temperature sensor 19 that detects the temperature of hot water supplied to the heat exchanger 4 is provided at a location downstream of the branch portion of the bypass passage 16 in the water supply passage 5.

  In addition, a first hot water temperature sensor 20 that detects the temperature of hot water fed from the heat exchanger 4 is provided in the hot water path 6 at a location upstream of the junction of the bypass path 16. Further, a second hot water temperature sensor 21 is provided in the hot water outlet 6 at a location on the downstream side of the joining portion of the bypass 16.

  In the main body case 1a, a controller 23 constituted by an electronic circuit unit including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, an input / output circuit, and the like is provided. Detection signals from the flow rate sensor 17, the feed water temperature sensor 19, the first hot water temperature sensor 20, and the second hot water temperature sensor 21 are input to the controller 23.

  The controller 23 is connected to a remote control unit (remote control unit) 24 disposed outside the main body case 1a.

  The remote control unit 24 is provided with a display 24d for displaying various types of information, and a plurality of operation switches 24s composed of an ON / OFF switch for operation of the hot water supply apparatus 1 and a temperature setting switch. Then, an instruction signal such as a set hot water temperature (target hot water temperature) set by operating the operation switch 24 s is input from the remote control unit 24 to the controller 23.

  The controller 23 has a function of controlling a hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 as a main function realized by a program or a hardware configuration to be installed. In this function, the controller 23 causes the main valve 9, the proportional valve 10, the switching valve 11, the air supply fan 14, the flow rate so that the temperature of the hot water discharged from the hot water tap becomes the set hot water temperature set by the remote control unit 24. The control valve 18 and the bypass flow rate control valve 22 are controlled.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the controller 23 has, as its function, a heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit 31 that detects the occurrence of heat transfer inhibition factors such as scale adhesion and soot adhesion in the heat exchanger 4. And an abnormality processing unit 32 that executes a predetermined abnormality process when occurrence of a heat transfer inhibition factor is detected.

  Of the operation switches 24s of the remote control unit 24, a specific operation switch 24s (hereinafter referred to as a specific operation switch 24sx) has a function as a predetermined operator in the present invention.

  In addition, an operation switch 23s is provided on the board of the controller 23 as an operator for a trader. The operation switch 23s may be a single switch or may be configured by a plurality of switches.

  Next, the operation of the hot water supply apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. First, the control for performing the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply apparatus 1 will be described. In addition, since this control is well-known control, the outline is demonstrated below.

  When the controller 23 detects water flow through the water supply channel 5 based on the detection signal of the flow sensor 17 (more specifically, when the detected flow rate of the flow sensor 17 exceeds the minimum operating flow rate), the main valve 9 is opened accordingly. At the same time, by operating an igniter (not shown), the burner 3 is ignited and the combustion operation of the burner 3 is started.

  When the combustion operation of the burner 3 is started, the controller 23 determines the second hot water temperature sensor 21 based on the deviation between the temperature detected by the second hot water temperature sensor 21 and the temperature detected by the feed water temperature sensor 19 and the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 17. The target combustion amount required to set the detected temperature to the set hot water temperature is calculated.

  Then, the controller 23 controls the opening amount of the proportional valve 10 and the switching control of the switching valve 11 according to the target combustion amount, thereby controlling the combustion amount of the burner 3 to the target combustion amount by feedforward control. At the same time, the air supply fan 14 is controlled so that an amount of combustion air corresponding to the amount of combustion is supplied.

  Further, the controller 23 sets the detected temperature of the first tapping temperature sensor 20 to a predetermined high temperature setting temperature higher than the set hot water temperature, and makes the detected hot water temperature of the second tapping temperature sensor 21 equal to the set hot water temperature. The flow rate (bypass mixing amount) flowing through the bypass path 16 is controlled by the bypass flow rate adjustment valve 22.

  Further, when the detected temperature of the second hot water temperature sensor 21 does not reach the set hot water temperature even when the combustion amount of the burner 3 is maximized, the water supply amount is decreased by the flow rate control valve 18.

  With the above control, the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is performed so that the detected temperature of the second hot water temperature sensor 21 becomes the set hot water temperature while performing the combustion operation of the burner 3.

  By the way, when hard water is used as the hot water supply water, the scale that deposits in the heat absorption pipe 4b of the heat exchanger 4 may adhere to and accumulate on the inner wall of the heat absorption pipe 4b. Further, the soot contained in the combustion exhaust of the burner 3 may adhere to and accumulate on the fins 4 a of the heat exchanger 4. The adhesion / deposition of these scales and soot in the heat exchanger 4 hinders normal heat transfer of the heat exchanger 4. For this reason, there is a possibility that damage such as cracks may occur in the heat absorption tube 4b of the heat exchanger 4 due to thermal stress.

  The controller 23 is provided with the heat transfer inhibition factor detecting unit 31 and the abnormality processing unit 32 as a function for performing control processing to cope with this.

  The control process will be described below. The control process is executed as shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  In STEP 1, the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit 31 detects whether or not a heat transfer inhibition factor is generated due to the scale and soot adhering to and depositing on the heat exchanger 4.

  This detection process is performed by a known method. For example, the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit 31 observes the detected hot water temperature of the first hot water temperature sensor 20 when the water supply passage 5 stops and the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 stops. Then, the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit 31 sets the detected hot water temperature of the first hot water temperature sensor 20 to a predetermined high temperature set temperature higher than the set hot water temperature within a predetermined time after the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is stopped. If the temperature rises above the temperature obtained by adding a value (for example, 20 ° C.), it is determined that a heat transfer inhibiting factor has occurred, and if not, it is determined that no heat transfer inhibiting factor has occurred.

  It should be noted that the detection of the presence or absence of the heat transfer inhibition factor due to the adhesion / deposition of scale or soot may be performed using a known method other than the above.

  If the occurrence of a heat transfer inhibition factor is detected in STEP 1, next, the processing from STEP 2 is executed by the abnormality processing unit 32.

  In STEP 2, the abnormality processing unit 32 prohibits the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1. This state of prohibition of the hot water supply operation is a state in which the combustion operation of the burner 3 is not started even if water is supplied through the water supply channel 5 (and thus, the hot water supply water is not heated).

  Further, in STEP 2, an error code indicating that the heat transfer inhibiting factor has occurred is displayed on the display 24d of the remote control unit 24 in order to notify the user that the heat transfer inhibiting factor has occurred. In this case, along with or instead of the display of the error code, an appropriate lamp provided in the remote control unit 24 is turned on or blinked, or an audible notification is given by voice or alarm sound. It may be.

  Here, when the remote control unit 24 is not installed in the user's regular living space, the user is displaying the error code (notifying that the heat transfer inhibiting factor has occurred) Often not immediately noticed. However, since the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is prohibited, even when the user tries to discharge hot water from the hot water tap and passes water through the water supply channel 5, the combustion operation of the burner 3 is not started, and the hot water tap is started. The hot water is not discharged from the water (unheated hot water supply water comes out).

  For this reason, the user recognizes that some abnormality has occurred in the hot water supply apparatus 1 and confirms the remote control unit 24. As a result, the user recognizes that the error code is displayed on the remote control unit 24.

  And the user who recognized the display of the said error code recognizes that the heat transfer obstruction factor has occurred by referring to the manual of the hot water supply apparatus 1 or making an inquiry to the supplier, and also recognizes the countermeasure in that case. .

  In this case, in order to eliminate the heat transfer impediment factor, it is necessary to install a soft water generator and to clean the heat exchanger 4 by a contractor. However, it is often inconvenient for the user if the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 cannot be performed until the work is completed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, by performing a predetermined operation of the specific operation switch 24sx of the operation switches 24s of the remote control unit 24 (for example, a special operation such as pressing and holding the specific operation switch 24sx for 10 seconds or more) The prohibition state of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is canceled only for a predetermined period.

  Therefore, the abnormality processing unit 32 monitors whether or not a predetermined operation (hereinafter referred to as a reset operation) of the specific operation switch 24sx has been performed by an instruction signal input from the remote control unit 24 in STEP3. And when this reset operation is not made, the abnormality process part 32 continues the prohibition state of hot water supply operation.

  When the specific operation switch 24sx is reset, the abnormality processing unit 32 cancels the hot water supply prohibition state in STEP4. Further, at this time, after the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor is detected, the number of times the prohibition of hot water supply operation is released (hereinafter referred to as the number of resets) is counted, and the number of resets is stored and held in a nonvolatile memory (not shown).

  The specific operation switch 24sx may be a set of a plurality of operation switches 24s. In that case, the prohibition state of the hot water supply operation may be canceled by a predetermined operation such as simultaneous operation of the plurality of operation switches 24s.

  By releasing the hot water supply prohibition state in STEP 4 as described above, when the water supply passage 5 is passed, the combustion operation of the burner 3 is started, and the user uses the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1. Will be able to.

  In the state where the prohibition state of the hot water supply operation is released in this way, the abnormality processing unit 32 determines in STEP 5 the cumulative combustion time of the burner 3 by the hot water supply operation after the cancellation of the prohibition state of the hot water supply operation (hereinafter, the accumulated combustion time). Time). Then, in STEP 6, it is monitored whether or not the accumulated combustion time has reached a predetermined time (for example, 70 hours) or more.

  When the accumulated combustion time has not reached a predetermined time (for example, 70 hours) or more (when the determination result of STEP 6 is negative), the abnormality processing unit 32 determines the controller 23 for the supplier in STEP 7. It is determined whether or not the operation switch 23s has been operated.

  Here, when the contractor installs the soft water generator or cleans the heat exchanger 4 to eliminate the heat transfer obstruction factor, the worker of the contractor returns the hot water supply device 1 to a normal state. In order to make this happen, the operator operating switch 23s is operated.

  Therefore, when the determination result in STEP 7 is negative, the work for eliminating the heat transfer inhibition factor by the contractor has not yet been performed. For this reason, in this case, the abnormality processing unit 32 continues the processing from STEP5.

  In this state, when the accumulated combustion time reaches a predetermined time or more and the determination result in STEP 6 becomes affirmative, the abnormality processing unit 32 executes the process in STEP 2 again, The hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is prohibited, and an error code (an error code indicating that a heat transfer inhibiting factor has occurred) is displayed on the display 24d of the remote control unit 24.

  In the display of the error code in this case, after the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor, the number of resets in which the hot water supply prohibition state is canceled by the reset operation of the specific operation switch 24sx is reflected. For example, the reset count is displayed on the display 24d together with the error code.

  In addition to the display of the number of resets on the display 24d, or in place of the display, the display color of the error code is changed as the number of resets increases, or a notification sound such as an alarm sound is generated. It may be made larger.

  In addition, when the work for eliminating the heat transfer inhibition factor by the supplier is completed and the operation switch 23s for the supplier is operated and the determination result in STEP 7 becomes affirmative, the hot water supply device 1 is in a normal state. Return. In this case, the processing from STEP 1 by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit 31 and the abnormality processing unit 32 is performed. Therefore, unless the generation of the heat transfer inhibition factor is detected again by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit 31, the process from STEP2 by the abnormality processing unit 32 is not performed.

  After the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is prohibited in accordance with the detection of the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor by the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 3 described above, the user displays an error code on the display 24d of the remote control unit 24. By confirming the above, it is possible to reliably recognize that a heat transfer inhibiting factor that requires installation of the soft water generator and cleaning of the heat exchanger 4 has occurred.

  When the user performs a reset operation of the specific operation switch 24sx so that the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 can be temporarily used, the prohibition state of the hot water supply operation is canceled. However, the cancellation is performed for a predetermined period until the accumulated combustion time of the burner 3 in the hot water supply operation (cumulative combustion time after the cancellation of the hot water supply prohibition state) reaches a predetermined time (for example, 70 h in this embodiment). When the predetermined period elapses (when the accumulated combustion time reaches a predetermined time or more), the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is again prohibited.

  For this reason, the user can recognize again the necessity of cancellation of the heat transfer inhibition factor. In addition, when the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is prohibited again, the reset count is displayed on the display unit 24d together with the error code, so that the user effectively recognizes the necessity of eliminating the heat transfer inhibition factor. be able to.

  Moreover, since the contractor who received the request from the user can confirm the number of resets by displaying on the display 24d or reading the data in the nonvolatile memory of the controller 23, the usage status of the hot water supply apparatus 1 is appropriately recognized. be able to. Therefore, the trader can select an appropriate process for eliminating the heat transfer inhibition factor, and can effectively use the data of the number of resets for product improvement and the like.

  Moreover, since the period during which the prohibition of hot water supply operation is canceled is defined by the cumulative combustion time of the burner 3, the hot water operation prohibition state is canceled when the hot water supply operation is frequently used or when the use time is long. Thereafter, the hot water supply operation can be prohibited again relatively early. As a result, it is possible to prompt the user to request the contractor to take measures to eliminate the heat transfer inhibiting factor at an early stage, and to prevent the final heat exchanger 4 from being damaged as much as possible. can do.

  In addition, even if it takes days to take measures to eliminate heat transfer obstruction factors, the hot water operation is prohibited by reducing the frequency of use of the hot water operation or shortening the usage time. The period during which the state is released can be made as long as possible, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

  Further, even if the user resets the specific operation switch 24sx and cancels the hot water supply prohibition state, the contractor takes measures to eliminate the heat transfer inhibiting factor, and the operation switch 23s for the contractor is operated. Unless this is done, since the hot water supply operation is repeatedly prohibited every predetermined period, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor from being left unattended.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in part of the processing of the abnormality processing unit 32. Therefore, the description of this embodiment will be focused on the differences, and the description of the same matters as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the abnormality processing unit 32 includes a function as a heat transfer inhibition factor elimination determination unit that determines whether or not the heat transfer inhibition factor has been eliminated without requiring the operation switch 23s for the trader. .

  And in this embodiment, the process of the heat-transfer inhibition factor detection part 31 and the abnormality process part 32 is performed as shown to the flowchart of FIG. In this case, among STEPs 2 to 6 and 7a executed by the abnormality processing unit 32, the process of STEP 7a is a process as a heat transfer inhibition factor eliminating unit. The processing of STEP 7a is executed instead of STEP 7 in the first embodiment, and the other processing is the same as the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 3 of the first embodiment.

  In the processing of STEP 7a (processing of the heat transfer inhibition factor elimination determination means), the abnormality processing unit 32 determines whether or not the heat transfer inhibition factor has been eliminated as follows.

  That is, when the hot water supply operation is stopped and the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is stopped while the prohibition state of the hot water supply operation is released, the abnormality processing unit 32 detects the first hot water temperature sensor 20. Observe hot water temperature. Then, the abnormality processing unit 32 sets a predetermined value (for example, 10 ° C.) to a predetermined high temperature set temperature at which the detected hot water temperature of the first hot water temperature sensor 20 after the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is stopped is higher than the set hot water temperature. It is determined whether or not the temperature falls below the added temperature.

  Here, when the heat transfer inhibition factor is eliminated, the hot water temperature detected by the first hot water temperature sensor 20 does not increase significantly after the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is stopped, and the above determination result is obtained. Become positive.

  Therefore, when the above determination result is affirmative, the abnormality processing unit 32 determines that the heat transfer inhibition factor has been eliminated, and otherwise determines that the heat transfer inhibition factor has not been eliminated. .

  And when the judgment result of STEP7a is negative, the abnormality process part 32 performs the process from STEP5, and when this judgment result is affirmative, it returns the hot water supply apparatus 1 to a normal state. Thus, the processing from STEP1 is performed.

  Except for the matters described above, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the heat transfer inhibition factor has been eliminated by using the existing first hot water temperature sensor 20 without the need for a commercial operation switch 23s. While cost reduction of the hot water supply apparatus 1 can be aimed at, the work man-hour of a contractor can be reduced. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in part of the processing of the abnormality processing unit 32. Therefore, the description of this embodiment will be focused on the differences, and the description of the same matters as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the abnormality processing unit 32 changes the period during which the hot water supply prohibition state is canceled according to the number of times of cancellation (the number of resets) after the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor. Therefore, in this embodiment, the processes of the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit 31 and the abnormality processing unit 32 are executed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this case, the determination process in STEPs 8a to 8e is executed instead of the determination process in STEP 6 in the first embodiment, and the other processes are the same as those in the flowchart of FIG. 3 in the first embodiment.

  The determination process of STEPs 8a to 8e is executed as follows.

  That is, after executing the processing of STEPs 4 and 5 as in the first embodiment, the abnormality processing unit 32 determines the number of resets after the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor in STEPs 8a and 8b.

  In STEP 8a, it is determined whether or not the number of resets is greater than 4. In STEP 8b, it is determined whether or not the number of resets is greater than 7. When the number of resets is 4 times or less (when the determination result of STEP 8a is negative), the abnormality processing unit 32 determines whether the burner 3 after releasing the hot water supply prohibition state in STEP 8c. It is determined whether the accumulated combustion time is 70 hours or more as the first predetermined time. This determination process is the same as the determination process in STEP 6 in the first embodiment.

  In addition, when the number of resets is more than 4 and 7 or less (when the determination results of STEP8a and 8b are affirmative and negative respectively), the abnormality processing unit 32 determines in STEP8d that It is determined whether or not the accumulated combustion time of the burner 3 after canceling the hot water supply prohibition state is a time of 30 hours or more as a second predetermined time (<first predetermined time).

  In addition, when the number of resets is greater than 7 (when the determination results of STEPs 8a and 8b are affirmative and affirmative, respectively), the abnormality processing unit 32, after releasing the hot water supply prohibition state in STEP 8e, It is determined whether or not the accumulated combustion time of the burner 3 is a time of 10 hours or more as a third predetermined time (<second predetermined time).

  Then, when the determination result of STEP 8c, 8d, or 8e is negative, the abnormality processing unit 32 determines whether the determination result of STEP 6 of the first embodiment is negative, in STEP 7, the controller 23 The process for determining whether or not the operation switch 23s for the supplier is operated is executed.

  Further, when the determination result of STEP 8c, 8d, or 8e is affirmative, the abnormality processing unit 32 executes the processing of STEP 2 as in the case where the determination result of STEP 6 of the first embodiment is affirmative. Then, the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is prohibited again, and an error code (an error code indicating that a heat transfer inhibiting factor has occurred) is displayed on the display 24d of the remote control unit 24. .

  Except for the matters described above, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Note that the number of reset times of 4 times and 7 times and the numerical values of the times of 70h, 30h, and 10h are examples, and other numerical values may be used.

  In the present embodiment, as the number of resets by the reset operation of the specific operation switch 24sx (the number of times of canceling the hot water supply prohibition state) increases, the cumulative combustion time that defines the period during which the hot water supply operation prohibition state is cancelled. Becomes shorter.

  For this reason, the hot water supply operation is prohibited early as the number of resets increases. As a result, as the number of resets increases, it is possible to prompt the user to take measures to eliminate the heat transfer inhibition factor at an earlier stage. As a result, the final damage of the heat exchanger 4 can be prevented as much as possible. Other functions and effects are the same as those of the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, instead of the determination process in STEP 7, the determination process in STEP 7a (the process of the heat transfer inhibition factor elimination determination unit) in the second embodiment may be performed.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Note that this embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in part of the processing of the abnormality processing unit 32. Therefore, the description of this embodiment will be focused on the differences, and the description of the same matters as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the abnormality processing unit 32 limits the cancellation of the hot water supply operation prohibition state by a reset operation of the specific operation switch 24sx to a predetermined number of times or less, and the number of resets exceeds the predetermined number of times. Thereafter, even if the specific operation switch 24sx is reset, the hot water supply prohibition state is not released.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the processes of the heat transfer inhibition factor detection unit 31 and the abnormality processing unit 32 are executed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this case, the determination process of STEP 9 and the process of STEP 10 according to the determination result are executed between the process of STEP 4 and the process of STEP 5 in the first embodiment. Otherwise, the first embodiment. This is the same as the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  The abnormality processing unit 32 executes the processing of STEP4 according to the reset operation, and then executes the determination processing of STEP9 after executing the processing of STEP4. In this determination process, the abnormality processing unit 32 determines whether or not the number of resets by the reset operation of the specific operation switch 24sx is greater than a predetermined number (for example, 4 times). If the determination result is negative, the abnormality processing unit 32 executes the processing from STEP 5 as in the first embodiment.

  On the other hand, if the determination result in STEP 9 is affirmative, the abnormality processing unit 32 continuously prohibits the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 in STEP 10, and thereafter, even if a reset operation is performed, Prevent the prohibited state from being released. For this reason, after that, even if the user performs the reset operation of the specific operation switch 24sx, the hot water supply operation cannot be resumed.

  Except for the matters described above, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

  According to the present embodiment, if the situation in which the heat transfer inhibiting factor is generated has been left for an excessively long period of time, unless a measure for eliminating the heat transfer inhibiting factor is applied by the contractor. Thus, the state where the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device 1 is prohibited is maintained. As a result, the user can be strongly encouraged to take measures to eliminate the heat transfer inhibition factor, and damage to the final heat exchanger 4 can be prevented from occurring.

  In this embodiment, instead of the determination process in STEP 7, the determination process in STEP 7a (the process of the heat transfer inhibition factor elimination determination unit) in the second embodiment may be performed.

  Further, the cumulative combustion time that defines the period during which the hot water supply prohibition state is released in a state where the number of resets is less than a predetermined number may be changed in the same manner as in the third embodiment.

  Supplementally, in the embodiment described above, the specific operation switch 24sx of the remote control unit 24 is used as an operation element for the user to cancel the prohibition state of the hot water supply operation. However, the operation element is provided on the board of the controller 23. You may make it leave. The operation element is not limited to a push button type switch, but may be a rotary type switch, a dip switch, or the like.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Hot-water supply apparatus, 3 ... Burner, 4 ... Heat exchanger, 5 ... Water supply path, 6 ... Outlet path, 31 ... Heat transfer inhibition factor detection part (heat transfer inhibition factor detection means), 32 ... Abnormal process part (abnormal process) Means, heat transfer inhibition factor elimination judgment means).

Claims (6)

A heat exchanger that is heated by the combustion heat of the burner, a water supply passage that supplies hot water to the heat exchanger, a hot water outlet that discharges hot water heated by the heat exchanger, and a heat transfer in the heat exchanger In a hot water supply apparatus comprising a heat transfer inhibition factor detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of occurrence of a heat inhibition factor,
An abnormality processing means for prohibiting hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device and notifying that the heat transfer inhibition factor has occurred when the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor is detected by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection means; Prepared,
When the predetermined operation of the predetermined operation element provided so as to be operable by the user is performed after prohibiting the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device, the abnormality processing means continues until the predetermined period elapses. When the predetermined operation of the operation element is performed again after the elapse of the predetermined period after the prohibition of the hot water supply operation is canceled and the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled, the predetermined period elapses thereafter. Until then, the hot water supply apparatus is configured to cancel again the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply apparatus. The hot water supply device according to claim 1 ,
The abnormality processing means counts and stores the number of times the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is released according to the operation of the operation element after the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor is detected by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection means. A hot water supply apparatus configured to hold. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 2 ,
As the number of times that the prohibition of hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled according to the operation of the operation element increases, the time for the predetermined period for canceling the prohibition of hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is shortened. Thus, the water heater is configured to change the predetermined period according to the number of times. The hot water supply device according to claim 2 or 3 ,
When the number of times that the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device is canceled in accordance with the operation of the operation element exceeds a predetermined number, the abnormality processing means, regardless of whether or not the predetermined operation of the operation element is performed, A hot water supply apparatus configured to continuously prohibit hot water supply operation of the hot water supply apparatus. In the hot water supply device according to any one of claims 2 to 4 ,
When the abnormality processing means prohibits the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply device again in response to the elapse of the predetermined period, the operation element is detected after the occurrence of the heat transfer inhibition factor by the heat transfer inhibition factor detection means. A hot water supply apparatus configured to perform notification according to the number of times the prohibition of the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply apparatus is canceled according to a predetermined operation. In the hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined period is a period until the cumulative combustion time of the burner after a predetermined operation of the operating element has passed a predetermined time.

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